While car modifications are allowed in the UK, there are some alterations that could end up being rather costly for you, if you aren't careful. MoneySuperMarket analysed the total number of car modification insurance enquiries in 2021, before revealing which modifications are most likely to invalidate car finance PCP and HP agreements.
Alloy Wheels were the most common car modification in 2021, accounting for every one in seven enquiry (14 per cent), followed by suspension changes - which were the second most common car modification (nine per cent).
Four modifications that could earn you a fine or points on your licence
1) Window tints
Risk: £50-100 fine, three penalty points or court
Seven per cent of all car modification enquiries to MoneySuperMarket were about window tinting. However, tinting your windows more than allowed can result in a £50 to £100 fine, three penalty points or even being reported to court. The front windscreen needs to be 75 per cent tint-free, and the side windows 70 per cent tint-free.
2) Loud exhausts
Risk: Fine or court
Likewise, MoneySuperMarket recorded more than eight per cent of car insurance enquiries for exhaust system changes. But exhaust systems cannot go over the noise limit of 74 decibels. Again, this can result in a fine or reported to court, as well as making the vehicle more damaging to the environment.
3) Spoilers
Risk: Police intervention
Spoilers aren’t necessarily illegal. They are popular, with four per cent of MoneySuperMarket’s car modification enquiries about adding a spoiler. But, if not installed correctly, it can get you into trouble. The spoiler needs to be fastened safely. If not, the police could have the power to remove the unsafe spoiler.
4) Nitrous oxide
Risk: £1,000-£2,500 fine
Using Nitrous Oxide to boost your motor speed in a gasoline engine is extremely illegal and dangerous. Doing this can increase cylinder pressure, if they are exposed to enough heat, which could see the nitrous expand within and shatter the cylinders, causing an explosion and costs for you. Making changes to the engine in an attempt to improve performance could result in safety implications landing you a hefty fine. The potential penalties are £1,000 for a car and £2,500 for a van, lorry or bus.
It is also worth noting that any change that makes the vehicle different to when it left the factory, counts as a modification and may affect and invalidate car finance PCP and HP agreements.
Jo Thornhill from MoneySuperMarket said: “You need to let your finance provider know of any changes to the car, no matter how small. That’s because you don’t actually own the car while paying your finance instalments on PCP or HP. As long as you are within your contract, the car belongs to the finance company and is their security for the loan.
“Therefore, the finance company can place restrictions on the car while they are the owner. If they need to recoup their losses due to you not being able to make repayments, they can take the car and sell it. But modifications to a car can affect its value; they can either improve it or lower it. In your eyes, you might have improved it, but the finance company may think differently.”
MoneySuperMarket recommends sticking to your contract and returning the car in its original condition before the end of the agreement. But that doesn’t always protect you if modifications are discovered after. That’s why the best thing you can do is let them know of any plans to modify the car in advance to avoid any unexpected financial charges/penalties.
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